A government statement says the National Assembly will elect a new president of South Africa on Thursday afternoon.

There is a renewed sense of hope as Mr Ramaphosa is taking over the reins of Africa’s most industrialised economy.

Mr Zuma, a former member of the ANC’s military wing in the days of apartheid, rose through the ranks of the party to become president. He led the country for more than a third of its time after apartheid.

But he leaves office with several scandals hanging over him, and with South Africa’s economy in dire straits.

On Wednesday, police swooped on the Johannesburg home of the powerful and wealthy Gupta family.

The Guptas have been accused of using their close friendship with the president to wield enormous political influence. They deny all allegations of wrongdoing.